Replace Characters... - UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

lgardner17325 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

In a file, How do I replace a set number of characters in each line?

For example.... substitute the first 54 characters of each line with mv?

Thanks!
Lisa

vgersh99 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

'sed' is your friend - sed1liners

Code:

sed 's/^.\{54\}/mv/' myFile.txt

anbu23 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

Code:

sed "s/^.\{54\}/mv/" x

lgardner17325 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

Thank you so much.... it was exactly what I needed!!

Can I just ask.... is the "." considered a wildcard in this code?

anbu23 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

Yes "." matches any character

venu_nbk · #6 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by vgersh99

'sed' is your friend - sed1liners

Code:

sed 's/^.\{54\}/mv/' myFile.txt

vgersh99

I have a doubt in this. If i am inside the file that is
vi myFile.txt.
Then how can I use the command, should I use the sed word?

vgersh99 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

no, but use the same 'substitute' expression in the vi 'command' mode.

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